After Harriet Hamster's owner, Mrs. Sinclair, retires from teaching and plans a trip to a golf tournament in Myrtle Beach, Harriet decides to tag along by hiding in Mr. Sinclair's golf bag. During a day of golfing, Harriet seizes an opportunity to escape and explore the nearby woods. But when she finds herself lost and possibly in danger, she begins to wonder if her decision to leave was a good one after all.

After meeting different animals and gaining new perspectives along the way, Harriet has an important decision to make. Will she create a new home in the woods or will she return to life with Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair?